How to Set Par Levels for Restaurant Inventory
Learn to calculate par levels for restaurant food, beverages, and packaging inventory, preventing stockouts and waste through proper formulas.
Sep 4, 2026
Learn to calculate par levels for restaurant food, beverages, and packaging inventory, preventing stockouts and waste through proper formulas.
Sep 4, 2026
Caribou Coffee appoints Zane Thomas-Rogers as Chief Operations Officer to strengthen execution across its expanding coffeehouse network.
Sep 4, 2026
Compare the top 10 restaurant POS systems in the USA for 2026. Explore features, pricing, pros, cons, and the best POS options for every restaurant type.
Jul 1, 2026
Learn how to handle restaurant payroll yourself, from calculating hours and wages to managing tips, taxes, and final paychecks.
Sep 2, 2026
Restaurant labor management helps owners optimize staffing, control labor costs, improve productivity, monitor overtime, and maintain efficient restaurant operations.
Sep 2, 2026
Chipotle makes its highly anticipated entry into Asia with a Seoul opening, partnering with Sangmidang Holdings and setting a template for future international growth.
Sep 2, 2026
7 Brew has acquired 73 former Salad and Go locations, surpassing Dutch Bros with a $143M bid, signaling a major shift in the competitive landscape for drive-thru brands.
Sep 2, 2026
Brooklyn Water Bagel launches its first campus eatery at Nova Southeastern, signaling strategic growth and fresh potential for multi-unit operators seeking new market wins.
Sep 2, 2026
Angry Chickz enters Illinois with its signature hot chicken concept and ambitious plans for Midwest expansion, setting the stage for new franchise opportunities and community engagement.
Sep 2, 2026
Learn how to calculate restaurant cost of goods using inventory, purchases, COGS percentage, variance reviews, and regular tracking for profitability.
Aug 31, 2026
Unlock Exclusive Access To Webinars, Events, And The Latest News For Free!
Explore how the narrowing price gap between groceries and restaurants affects consumer trends and the restaurant industry.

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data has revealed a significant development in the pricing dynamics between groceries and restaurants. In December, prices for food-at-home, which includes groceries and supermarkets, experienced a 1.8% increase from the previous month. Concurrently, prices for food-away-from-home (restaurants) rose by 3.6% year-over-year. This marks a consistent trend over the past 21 months where restaurant pricing has been outpacing grocery/supermarket pricing.
Analyst Mark Kalinowski highlighted the noteworthy observation that the gap between grocery pricing and restaurant pricing in December 2024 was the smallest since April 2023. This trend implies a convergence in pricing strategies between the two sectors, potentially impacting consumer preferences and spending habits. Additionally, the Core CPI, which excludes volatile energy and food costs, rose by 3.2% on an annual basis, indicating a broader trend in inflationary pressures.
The narrowing price gap between groceries and restaurants could have significant implications for the restaurant industry. Kalinowski noted that the historically large gap between the two pricing structures may have contributed to the worst non-pandemic same-store sales in 2024, compared to the past decade. As businesses navigate these changing dynamics, there is a need to reassess pricing strategies and consumer engagement to adapt to the evolving market landscape.